Difference between Arsenal and Man United is defensive strength, says Arsene Wenger

Arsene Wenger has admitted that his Arsenal team will have a point to prove on
Saturday when they try to prevent Manchester United from winning the Premier
League title.

Brick wall: Vidic and Ferdinand have been rock solid for UnitedPhoto: GETTY IMAGES

By Jeremy Wilson

8:46AM BST 15 May 2009

Arsenal previously clinched the double at Old Trafford in 2002, but Sir Alex Ferguson now has the chance to lift his 11th Premier League title in front of his greatest managerial rival. With Arsenal guaranteed to finish fourth, the match will be a chance for Wenger's team to salvage some pride.

"We want to play for our pride and be respected for who we are, that is people who love the game they play," said Wenger. "We promised ourselves on the first of January we would give everything in every game until the end of the season. That is where we can show we are capable to do that."

Wenger believes that the difference between Arsenal and Manchester United simply relates to the defensive strength of the current World, European and English champions.

"If you look at the statistics of the two teams for example, we have scored a similar amount of goals," said Wenger. "In the passing quality in the final third and in the opposition half, we are as good as Man United. We have conceded more goals and that's where the difference lies.

"We have conceded 36, they have conceded 24, we have scored 64 they have scored 67. Offensively, I do not believe there is a difference. Defensively, there was a difference.

"I feel the 18 point gap is a reflection we have to take on the chin. What people forget is that we were very far behind and we dropped too many points. Man United are world champions, European champions and will be champions of England. Everybody has to cope with that, not accept it and come back next year and beat them."

Wenger also reiterated his philosophy for the club. "I believe every manager has the same problem, to manage within his own resources," he said. "I look now like I do not want to spend money, but I have nothing against spending money.

"I just feel we have a team who can be very competitive and we want, as always, to manage this club within its resources. I will do that.

"If you want me to get the club bust, I am not the person to do that, that is for sure. I will work with the team I have available. I believe in this team and from what I have seen in this team, that makes me quite optimistic. These players have the quality to beat anybody else. If we can add one or two players with the resources we have, then we will do it."